Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Bites

Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Bites

Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time 40-45 mins Chill Time:1 hr 30 minutes Freeze Time: 2 hrs Servings: 12

Ingredients

Crust

1 c graham cracker crumb

1/4 c chopped pecans

1/4 c butter, melted

Filling

2 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened

1/2 c sugar

1 tsp orange zest

1/4 c sour cream

1/2 tsp vanilla (clear looks best)

2 eggs

Coating

24 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

3 Tbsp shortening

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line an 8-inch square pan with heavy-duty foil, extending the foil over the sides of the pan. Spray the foil with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, mix all crust ingredients until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add all remaining filling ingredients and beat until smooth. Pour the mixture over the crust.

Bake for 40-45 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the edges are set. The center will be soft but will set when cooled for 1 1/2 hours or until set in the refrigerator for the same amount of time. Freeze for about 2 hours or until frozen.

Remove the cheesecake from the pan by lifting the foil. Cut into 48 pieces, remove the foil, and place on wax paper.

In a small saucepan, melt the coating ingredient over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Cool for 2-3 minutes or until slightly cooled. Place the mixture in a 2-cup measuring cup.

Spear each cheesecake bite with a fork and dip it in melted chocolate to cover the bottom, letting the excess drip off. Place the bites on waxed paper.

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate over each bite, and smooth the top with the back of the spoon. Let stand for 20 minutes, then serve or store in the refrigerator.

These are lovely to make to give as a pick me up gift or just to spoil the family.  They keep nicely  in freezer to pop out when you have a dinner party or guest over for coffee.  Don't forget you  can also spoil yourself when you need a pick me up.